News Media Influence on Rail Infrastructure Policy: Tracing Mediatization Through Actor–Network Theory

Richardson's research shows that the news media has a significant influence on policy, and that this influence is complex, messy, and changing. He proposes a framework for tracing and managing these influences to improve communication and advance policy.

Format: Unspecified
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 16 November 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

In this comprehensive book, Richardson's research spans a decade and two cities—Sydney, Australia, and Montreal, Canada—focusing on three metro-style rail infrastructure case study projects: one ongoing, one failed, and one upgraded after reaching fifty years of age. Through meticulous analysis, Richardson builds an irrefutable case that the news media holds a profound and complex influence on policy, shaping the outcomes of large-scale projects.

The book offers valuable insights to scholars and industry practitioners in the fields of policy analysis, politics, and media communications. It provides a practical approach for navigating the intricate and ever-evolving landscape of 24/7 news media, which has the power to shape public perception, influence decision-makers, and drive policy outcomes.

At the heart of Richardson's research is the recognition of mediatization, the many powerful influences impacting a policy arena that has drawn the attention of the news media. This gap in understanding and practice leads to ineffective communication, which fails to advance policy goals and, in the worst cases, can result in policy immobilization or poor decision-making.

To address this gap, Richardson draws extensively on Actor-Network Theory to identify the influential actors and alliances at play when policy is subjected to media discourse. He proposes a framework for tracing and managing these actors, demonstrating that such a framework is essential for successful policy negotiation and project development in the media. Moreover, Richardson suggests that this framework holds the potential for an (r)evolutionary recasting of public, expert, and media actors in the development and decision-making process.

The book's chapters are organized in a logical and accessible manner, making it easy for readers to grasp the key concepts and insights. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction that sets the stage for the subsequent discussion, followed by detailed case studies that illustrate the application of the proposed framework. The case studies cover a range of rail infrastructure projects, including high-speed rail, light rail, and subway systems, providing a rich context for analyzing the media's influence on policy.

Throughout the book, Richardson highlights the challenges and complexities involved in navigating the media landscape, including the need for transparency, accountability, and effective communication. He emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships with media outlets, understanding their editorial policies and biases, and developing strategies to mitigate negative coverage and promote positive messaging.

In conclusion, News Media Influence on Rail Infrastructure Policy offers a valuable contribution to the field of policy analysis and media communications. By recognizing the complex and changing nature of the news media's influence on policy, Richardson provides a framework for guiding large-scale projects through the media landscape. The book offers valuable insights to scholars, industry practitioners, and policymakers alike. It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the role of the news media in shaping public perception, influencing decision-makers, and driving policy outcomes.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501387487